MJW – Freelance Writer, Blogger, Interviewer

Review: On The Run II – Beyonce and Jay-Z kick off their tour in Cardiff

Wow. That is all!

Okay, I’ll give you some more. You ready (uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh…)?

Beyonce and Jay-Z kicked off their On The Run II tour in the Principality Stadium, Cardiff on June 6th, and I was fortunate to attend – here is a little rundown of an amazing night.

First up – this was no ordinary gig, this was a production of Hollywood proportions – a giant moving screen, a floating stage, flames, a serious lightshow, a live skycam (apparently the first time one has been used live at a concert) along with various fixed cameras which gave an amazing view to everyone in the stadium via the huge video screen, and some seriously powerful speakers (I still have the ringing in my ear)! Not to mention numerous glamorous costume changes (and that was just Jay-Z), dancers, live musicians and a lot more.

The event was kicked off by a lowkey local DJ who kicked out some well-known tunes from Fatman Scoop (BASS DROP!), Missy Elliott, Biggie and others.

Then it was time.

The gig was kicked off with Holy Grail: Queen B and Hova were lowered onto the stage on a platform (similar to a window cleaning platform on a skyscraper, with a bit more swagger) as flaming crosses were shown on the screen; this was the start of something special.

The set list played like a greatest hits compilation from each artist. Songs and sections were interspersed with videos which told the story of their lives together; from meeting and falling in love, having a child, facing troubles (the well-documented alleged infidelity) and ultimately being ‘reborn’ together as one – love conquering all.

I won’t spoil any surprises but you will see some touching (never before seen) home video clips, box office standard cut scenes, passionate stances and speeches about race and gender equality, well-known crowd pleasing songs from each act, and a feel good ending.

My mind was blown by the effects and staging, I can’t imagine the costs for putting on a show of this proportion.

Jay-Z was excellent live, and whilst most were loyal Bey Hive members, I have no doubt that Jay won over many of the crowd with huge rousing renditions of 99 Problems, Big Pimpin’ and N’s in P.

If you get the chance to go along to see them, do it! This was genuinely one of the best gigs I’ve ever seen.